First Aid Merit Badge Worksheet
Earning the First Aid merit badge requires a Scout to understand and demonstrate various first aid techniques, including wound care, bleeding control, and shock management. This worksheet will guide you through the requirements and provide additional information to help you complete the merit badge.
Requirement 1: First Aid Basics
- Define the term “first aid” and explain its purpose.
- Describe the four principles of first aid:
- Protect the victim from further harm
- Stop the bleeding
- Keep the victim warm
- Call for medical help
- Explain the importance of proper hygiene when providing first aid.
🚨 Note: First aid is the initial care given to a person who has been injured or suddenly taken ill. Its purpose is to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery.
Requirement 2: Wound Care
- Describe the different types of wounds:
- Abrasions (scrapes)
- Lacerations (cuts)
- Avulsions (tears)
- Punctures
- Explain how to clean and dress a wound:
- Clean the wound with cool or lukewarm water and mild soap
- Apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
- Cover the wound with a sterile dressing or bandage
- Demonstrate how to apply a dressing to a wound.
Requirement 3: Bleeding Control
- Explain the different types of bleeding:
- External bleeding (visible)
- Internal bleeding (not visible)
- Describe how to control external bleeding:
- Apply direct pressure to the wound using a clean cloth or gauze
- Elevate the injured limb above heart level
- Use a tourniquet if necessary (only if trained to do so)
- Explain the signs and symptoms of internal bleeding:
- Abdominal tenderness
- Vomiting blood
- Pale or cool skin
- Rapid heartbeat
Requirement 4: Shock Management
- Define shock and explain its causes:
- Inadequate blood flow to vital organs
- Severe injury or illness
- Describe the signs and symptoms of shock:
- Pale or cool skin
- Rapid heartbeat
- Shallow breathing
- Confusion or loss of consciousness
- Explain how to manage shock:
- Call for medical help
- Keep the victim warm and comfortable
- Elevate the victim’s legs 12-18 inches
- Loosen tight clothing around the victim’s neck, chest, and waist
Requirement 5: Broken Bones and Sprains
- Explain the differences between a fracture (broken bone) and a sprain:
- Fracture: a break in a bone
- Sprain: a stretch or tear in a ligament or tendon
- Describe how to care for a broken bone:
- Immobilize the injured limb using a splint or sling
- Apply ice to reduce pain and swelling
- Elevate the injured limb above heart level
- Explain how to care for a sprain:
- Apply the RICE principle:
- Rest: avoid activity that aggravates the injury
- Ice: apply ice to reduce pain and swelling
- Compression: use an elastic bandage to compress the injured area
- Elevation: elevate the injured limb above heart level
- Apply the RICE principle:
Requirement 6: Other Injuries and Illnesses
- Describe how to care for a burn:
- Cool the burn with cool water for 10-15 minutes
- Apply a topical antibiotic ointment to prevent infection
- Cover the burn with a sterile dressing or bandage
- Explain how to care for a head or spinal injury:
- Immobilize the victim using a backboard or stretcher
- Call for medical help immediately
- Avoid moving the victim unless absolutely necessary
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | First Aid Basics |
| 2 | Wound Care |
| 3 | Bleeding Control |
| 4 | Shock Management |
| 5 | Broken Bones and Sprains |
| 6 | Other Injuries and Illnesses |
By completing these requirements, you will have demonstrated your understanding of various first aid techniques and be prepared to provide care in emergency situations. Remember to always call for medical help if you are unsure of how to care for an injury or illness.
In conclusion, earning the First Aid merit badge requires a Scout to understand and demonstrate various first aid techniques, including wound care, bleeding control, and shock management. By following these requirements and practicing first aid skills, Scouts can be prepared to provide care in emergency situations and help save lives.
What is the purpose of first aid?
+The purpose of first aid is to preserve life, prevent further harm, and promote recovery.
How do I care for a wound?
+Clean the wound with cool or lukewarm water and mild soap, apply an antibiotic ointment to prevent infection, and cover the wound with a sterile dressing or bandage.
What are the signs and symptoms of shock?
+Pale or cool skin, rapid heartbeat, shallow breathing, and confusion or loss of consciousness.
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